Woodward Governor

Loves Park - A group of 16 minority and female employees filed a class action lawsuit against the aerospace and industrial controls manufacturer alleging discrimination. An investigation by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in December 2005 determined Woodward did discriminate both against minorities and females. The commission found Woodward minority employees were paid at a lower rate than their white counterparts, were promoted at a slower rate and were less often chosen for training programs that led to promotions. US District Judge Phillip Reinhard approved the preliminary consent decree which calls for Woodward to install a number of initiatives aimed at preventing discrimination. Woodward Governor agreed to pay eligible employees from its Rockton and Loves Park operations $5 million to settle the class action lawsuit. (Oct-06-06) [ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR: WOODWARD]